BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SANTA FE/DEL NORTE TEEN NAMED 2022 “YOUTH OF THE YEAR”

By Santa Fe Boys and Girls Club

Alicia Gettler, a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Santa Fe/Del Norte, was named the 2022 State Youth of The Year on April 9th. Alicia is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to her community.
Alicia competed against three other Boys and Girls Club teens from Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Farmington and was awarded $2,500 in college scholarship money. The event was hosted virtually by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Farmington. Alicia will now go on to represent New Mexico at the Southwest Regional Conference in Dallas, Texas in June. She and representatives from 7 other states will compete for a $40,000 college scholarship and a chance to move forward to the national level. The National Youth of The Year receives a $100,000 college scholarship and an opportunity to meet and be recognized by the President of the United States.
Club members who earn the Youth of The Year title embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys and Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. Being named Youth of The Year is the highest honor a Boys and Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and the Boys and Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles he or she has had to overcome.
“Alicia embodies what it means to be “Youth of The Year.” She is a young woman who cares deeply about her community, as well as her education, health, and leadership,” said Roman Abeyta, Chief Professional Officer
In 2021 Alicia spoke to the press and the public about the importance of programming for teens on the southside of Santa Fe at the City Teen Center’s groundbreaking ceremony. She is a student leader at Monte Del Sol Charter School where she advocates for greater mental health awareness among young people.
Alicia plans to attend the University of New Mexico in the fall where she will pursue a degree in music education.

Since 1947, “Youth of the Year” has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe/Del Norte
For more than 85 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe/Del Norte has enabled young people most in need in Northern New Mexico to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Learn more at www.bgcsantafe.org